Fully completed applications except those listed below will be ready for collection the next working day during the course of the afternoon

Fully completed application forms sent by registered mail will be returned by post the next working day. Please ensure to include a pre paid envelope.

Fully completed applications forms of print media journalists, photo-journalists film production crew may take from 2 to 5 working days to process.

Fully completed application forms of Eritrean may take from 2 to 15 working days

Fully completed application forms of those coming from counties other than Dublin may be ready the same working day up to 16:30 hours if presented until 14:00

Applications for passport and ID (new and renewal) may take few months as the document is issued in Ethiopia.

Type of photos

All photographs have to be passport size (3*4 cm), recent, in color clear, with neutral back ground showing frontal view of the face. The photograph should be without sunglasses, hat or other head covering unless for ethnic or religious reasons. No scanned or computer print out picture.

Write your full name at the back of the photo

For passport and ID issue the face has to cover at list 50% of the picture

A minor, who’s parent is, Naturalized Ethiopian may enter the country if the Person of Ethiopian origin ID data of his parent is stamped on his passport

Visa fees for adults and minors are the same

Credit and ATM cards

Credit card acceptance is now growing throughout the country,

Some banks in Addis Ababa and few other main cities issue cash withdrawals on cards up to US$500.00 per day paid in birr

ATMs for Visa and other cards can now be found in some banks, and in Addis Ababa’s few main hotels.

Foreign currency exchange service is given by many banks in Addis Ababa

Old Ethiopian passport or birth certificate or education certificate or other similar certificates originated from Ethiopian government and attested by Ministry of foreign affairs of Ethiopia except for the passport (copy and original)

Current valid passport (original and copy)

To have fingerprint captured in front of embassy staff

Appropriate fee (see service fees )

ID is valid for five years from the date of issue

On the current passport details of the ID is stamped

Passport should always be presented with the ID to enter/exit Ethiopia

Old Ethiopian passport or birth certificate or education certificate or other similar certificates originated from Ethiopian government and attested by Ministry of foreign affairs of Ethiopia except for the passport (copy and original)

Current valid passport (original and copy)

Appropriate fee (see service fees)

ID is valid for five years from the date of issue

On the current passport details of the ID is stamped

Passport should always be presented with the ID to enter/exit Ethiopia

Representatives, Officials and experts holding diplomatic or service passport of Member States or Laissez-passer of the OAU and traveling to Ethiopia to attend OAU meetings, seminars and workshops and other official functions

Original passport valid at list for six months and at list with one blank page

1 passport size photo (refer type of photos)

Appropriate fee by cash, check, postal order or banker’s draft check to be paid in advance (refer Service fees)

Fees for adults and minors are the same

For business visas letter from your company or inviting company in Ethiopia stating the purpose and duration of travel

For traveling document holders letter from an employer or school stating your status in the company or school

For diplomatic and service passport note verbal from the appropriate authority

If you require your passport to be returned by post, include a self-addressed envelope stamped for registered mail. The Embassy doesn’t accept any responsibility for any items lost in the post

Visa fees are for services to issue the visa and are not refundable after the visa is processed or issued

Visas are valid from the date of issue up to the date of expiry on the visa, not from the date of arrival in Ethiopia.

Visa holders may stay in the country only up to the date of expiration on the visa

If visa expires before entering the country, you may request another visa by fulfilling the requirements all over again, including the fee

It is the applicant’s responsibility to check that all the details on the visa are correct and to seek any corrections that may be required. The Embassy will not accept any responsibility for inconvenience or financial loss caused by inadvertent inaccuracies in the visa

More requirements for journalists/ professional photographers

A letter from the employer with the following details should be sent to the Embassy

The name of the company the Journalist/photographer is working for

The name, passport number and nationality of the Journalist/photographer

The purpose and type of the planned program

Duration of the trip

Exact locations to be visited for the planned program

Name and Telephone number of the contact person or organization in Ethiopia if any

A list and serial number of the equipment taken for the program

Flight details

The applicant has to obtain a press permit from the Office for Government Communication Affairs, Department of Foreign Media Permit by fulfilling the following requirements

Original passport

Two passport size (3*4 cm) photograph

All the requirements listed in the previous paragraph

The applicant or his representative has to obtain a customs exemption letter from Office for Government Communication Affairs for the equipment/instruments to be used in the program , which should be re-exported on departure

If customs exemption letter is not obtained before arrival in the country, the equipments should be left at customs until the permit is obtained

Additional requirements for film shooting

A letter from the company with the following details should be sent to the Embassy to get the visa

The name of the company shooting the film

The name, passport number, address and nationality of the film crew

The purpose and title of the film

Duration of the shooting

Exact location of the shooting

Total production cost of the film and the portion that will be used in Ethiopia

A copy of the film script along with synopsis for feature films or synopsis for documentary films

A list and serial number of the equipment taken for shooting

Flight details

Name and Telephone number of the contact person or organization in Ethiopia if any

The applicant has to obtain a shooting permit from the Office for Government Communication Affairs, Department of foreign media permit by fulfilling the following requirements

Original passport

Permit fee based on production cost (Birr 1000. for the first Birr100,000.00 and 2% on the balance).

Two passport size (3*4 cm) photograph

All the requirements listed in the previous paragraph

The application has to be submitted at list 10 days before the planed shooting day

The applicant or his representative has to obtain a customs exemption letter from Office for Government Communication Affairs for the equipment/instruments to be used in the shooting , which should be re-exported on departure

If customs exemption letter is not obtained before arrival in the country, the equipments should be left at customs until the permit is obtained.

Where the applicant wishes to use an aircraft for shooting a film, he should obtain a flight permit from the Ethiopian civil Aviation Authority

Additional requirements for Eritrean and naturalized Eritrean

Please contact the embassy to get the appropriate application form

The visa processes may take from 2 to 15 working days

Foreigners who are originally from Eritrea can not get visa on arrival at the airport ,although they are from tourist generating countries

Flight details should be submitted once the visa is approved

Additional requirements for entry by land

Visas are not issued at border crossing points

For crossing the border by motorcycle, bicycle or by driving a car a letter listing the following facts should be submitted to the embassy if applicable

The name, passport number and nationality

The purpose and duration of the trip

Identification number, engine number, registration number of the vehicle or motorcycle

List of electronic equipments to be taken in if any

A copy of the following documents should also be submitted if applicable

Certificate of Insurance

Registration certificate of the vehicle and

Driving license

The Items to be imported temporarily with out duty should be exported on departure

A single entry business visa valid from one to three months as requested,

A multiple entry business visa valid for three months,

Multiple entry business visa valid for twenty four months only for Americans

Transit visa

Transit passengers continuing to a third country within 12 hours, provided not leaving the airport and holding valid travel documents and visa for onward destination do not require transit visa

Others require a single entry transit visa if they cross the country just once or double entry transit visa if they return back through the country

Transit visa is issued up on presentation of visa and ticket for onward destination

Diplomatic and service visa

Diplomatic or service visa is issued for holders of diplomatic or service passport/ Laissez-passer up on presentation of note verbal from the appropriate authority

Single entry visa or multiple entry visa valid for three months are issued

Visa issued at arrival at Bole international Airport, Addis Ababa

Requirements

Fully completed and signed application form (found on arrival)

Original passport valid at list for six months and at list with one blank page

2 passport size photo (refer type of photos)

Appropriate fee only in cash and only in USD (refer Service fees)

Fees for adults and minors are the same

For business visas letter from inviting company in Ethiopia stating the purpose and duration of travel, and an approval should be obtained before arrival

Tourist visa

Under the following circumstances single entry visa valid from one to three months or three months multiple tourist visas valid for three months can be issued on arrival at Bole International Airport:-

For foreign nationals who are coming from countries where there is no Ethiopian Mission, up on receiving prior approval from Immigration & Nationality Affairs Main Department (refer visa for citizens of countries where there is no Ethiopian mission)

For foreign nationals, even though there is an Ethiopian Mission, who are coming from internationally recognized tourist generating countries (refer List of internationally recognized tourist generating countries)

For foreign nationals, who are permanent residents in internationally recognized tourist generating countries,

Business visa

Under the following circumstances single entry visa valid from one to three months or three months multiple business visas valid for three months can be issued on arrival at Bole International Airport:-

For foreign nationals who are coming from countries where Ethiopian Mission is not represented, as per the request by the pertinent organ to the Immigration & Nationality Affairs Main Department and when the latter approves it

Representatives, officials and experts holding ordinary passports of the OAU Member States as well as holders of diplomatic, service or ordinary passports of other states or a UN Laissez-passer and traveling to Ethiopia to attend the meetings and activities of the OAU upon presenting an official letter explaining the purpose of their travel.

Representatives and officials of different international and regional organizations traveling to Ethiopia for official business or to attend meetings, seminars and workshops upon presentation of an officials letter explaining the purpose of their travel

Under the following circumstances single or double transit visas valid for three months can be issued on arrival at Bole International Airport:-

For foreign nationals who are coming from countries where there is no Ethiopian Mission,

For foreign nationals, even though there is an Ethiopian Mission, who are coming from internationally recognized tourist generating countries (refer List of internationally recognized tourist generating countries)

For foreign nationals, who are permanent residents in internationally recognized tourist generating countries

Transit passengers continuing to a third country within 12 hours, provided not leaving the airport and holding valid travel documents and visa for onward destination do not require transit visa

Others require a single entry transit visa if they cross the country just once or double entry transit visa if they return back through the country

v Visa when there is no Ethiopian mission in the country

Tourist visa

Foreign nationals who are coming from countries where Ethiopian Mission is not represented, and are from countries which are not among internationally recognized tourist generating countries (refer List of internationally recognized tourist generating countries) can get visa

From the nearest Ethiopian Embassy or

Request should be submitted to the following address and up on receiving the approval from the department the visa can be issued on arrival at Bole international airport

Foreign nationals who are coming from countries where Ethiopian Mission is not represented, as per the request by the pertinent organ to the Immigration & Nationality Affairs Main Department and when the latter approves it the following visas are issued on arrival at Bole International Airport or

From the nearest Ethiopian Embassy

A single entry business visa valid from one to three months &

A multiple entry business visa valid for three months

v List of internationally recognized tourist generating countries

The following are considered to be internationally recognized tourist generating countries and are entitled to get tourist visa on arrival

Argentina

Australia

Austria

Belgium

Brazil

Canada

China

Check Republic

Denmark

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

India

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Japan

Korea Republic

Kuwait

Luxembourg

Mexico

Netherlands

New Zealand

Norway

North Korea

Poland

Portugal

Russian Federation

Slovakia

South Africa

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

United Kingdom

United States

v Requirements on arrival and in Ethiopia

Port of entry and exit

Visas are not issued at border crossing points

visas are issued only at Addis Ababa, Bole international Airport, for those who are eligible to get visa on arrival

Visitors with valid travel document and visa, where applicable, may enter the country through the following ports

By air

Addis Ababa

Diredawa

By Rail

Dewole crossing from Djiboute

By land

Metemma and Humera crossing from Sudan

Galafi and Dewole crossing from Djiboute

Dolo Odo, Togo Chale and Tefri Ber crossing from Somalia

Omorate and Moyale crossing from Kenya

From Eritrea no crossing point at the moment

Customs requirements

On arrival written declaration of the goods or the currency has to made to Ethiopian customs authority

The travelers or tourists may also import various goods on a temporary basis. However for goods to be temporarily imported, customs may require a cash deposit to cover the duty and taxes normally payable.

Visitors may export souvenirs with a value not exceeding USD 500

Permits are required before exporting antiques, animal skins and artifacts; which require documentation from the National Museum in Addis Ababa for export.

Travelers who bring drugs the quantity of which exceeds that which would be expected for personal use are required to have a permit from the Ministry of Health

Any traveler to Ethiopia is allowed to bring with him/her any amount of legal foreign currency. There are no quantitative restrictions on importation of legal foreign currency into Ethiopia, provided it is declared on arrival

Arrivals to Ethiopia are required to convert their currency in an authorized Bank or establishment whenever they want to have local currency (Birr) by collecting their receipts from the bank, which may be requested on departure

The exportation of the foreign currencies you have brought from abroad is not restricted if their previous importation are acknowledged by relevant customs declarations.

Resident and non-resident travelers can carry $3,000 or its equivalent in any other convertible foreign currency in cash in and out of Ethiopia with proper evidence of its source.

Travelers whose entry visa expires before they depart Ethiopia and who hasn’t obtained a visa extension pay a penalty and may also be required to pay a court fine before being permitted to depart from Ethiopia

Registration requirements

The following persons shall be registered by main department for immigration and nationality affairs

All foreigners residing in Ethiopia

A foreigner who enters Ethiopia with an immigrant visa, within thirty days of the date of arrival

A foreigner who enters Ethiopia with a business or student visa or with out a visa ( where it applies) and intends to stay for more than ninety days, within thirty days of the date of arrival

Current valid passport or Person of Ethiopian origin ID (copy and original)

Or birth certificate or education certificate or other similar certificates originated from Ethiopian government and attested by Ministry of foreign affairs of Ethiopia along with valid Irish ID (copy and original)

Neatly presented power of attorney to be signed in front of the Embassy staff

The power of attorney should include full name, passport/ID number and addresses of both parties

Appropriate fee (see service fees)

To come in person with all the documents and fee

The power of attorney should be attested by Ministry of foreign affairs of Ethiopia within one year (see service fees)

The document could be attested at Ministry of foreign affairs of Ethiopia in person or through representatives in Ethiopia, there is no service through post

Or birth certificate or education certificate or other similar certificates originated from Ethiopian government and attested by Ministry of foreign affairs of Ethiopia along with valid Irish ID (copy and original)

1 photograph (see photos)

To have fingerprint captured in front of embassy staff

Appropriate fee (see service fees)

The document should also be attested by Ministry of foreign affairs of Ethiopia within one year (see service fees)

The document could be attested by Ministry of foreign affairs of Ethiopia in person or through representatives in Ethiopia, there is no service through post

Current valid passport or Person of Ethiopian origin ID (original and copy)

Or birth certificate or education certificate or other similar certificates originated from Ethiopian government and legalized by Ministry of foreign affairs of Ethiopia along with valid Irish ID (copy and original)

1 photograph (see type of photos)

To have fingerprint captured in front of embassy staff

Appropriate fee (see service fees)

Original fingerprint document should also be attested by Ministry of foreign affairs of Ethiopia with in one year (see service fees)

To take the following documents to

- Ethiopian Federal Police Commission

Forensic Investigation DepartmentP.O. Box 80358Addis AbabaEthiopia

- Legalized fingerprint document

- Two passport size photographs

- Copy of current valid passport or Person of Ethiopian origin ID

- Statement of request for police clearance certificate

- The fee to issue the police clearance certificate in Ethiopia is Br 10.00

To attest the police clearance certificate by Ministry of foreign affairs in Ethiopia (see service fees)

Police clearance certificate could be obtained by applying in person or through representatives in Ethiopia, there is no service through post

Original fingerprint document should also be attested by Ministry of foreign affairs of Ethiopia (after it is legalized by our office) within one year (see service fees)

To take the following documents to

- Ethiopian Federal Police Commission

Forensic Investigation DepartmentP.O. Box 80358Addis AbabaEthiopia

- Legalized fingerprint document

- Two passport size photographs

- Copy of current valid passport and copy of passport used while in Ethiopia (including the part which shows the residence permit while in Ethiopia )

- Statement of request for police clearance certificate

To attest the police clearance certificate at Ministry of foreign affairs in Ethiopia (see service fees)

Police clearance certificate could be obtained by applying in person or through representatives in Ethiopia, there is no service through post

Adopting an Ethiopian Child by Foreign Adoptive Parents

The documents to be submitted by the prospective adoptive parent/s from his/her permanent domicile should be original and should not be dated more than tow years except for passports, birth and marriage certificates and should include:

Psychosocial study and recommendation on applicants by an authorized institution

"Obligation of Adoption or Social Welfare Agency" form to send regular post adoption report

Verification by the adoption agency on qualification for adoption under the national law of the applicant

A short statement as to why an Ethiopian child is preferred

All the aforementioned documents should be authenticated by the Ethiopian Embassy or Consulate (refer document attestation)

All the aforementioned documents should also be authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ethiopia (refer document attestation)

All the aforementioned documents should be submitted or forwarded by the applicant or agency to the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MOWA)

For more information on adoption contact:

Ministry Of Women’s Affairs (MOWA)Children and Youth Affairs Office, Adoption Team (CYAO)P.O.Box1293Addis AbabaEthiopiaTel: (251)-11416-6362; The head of the Adoption Team can be reached at: Tel: (251)- 251-11-554-5676Fax: (251)-11-416-6362

Travel document which shows nationality as Ethiopian (copy and original)

Birth certificate or education certificate or other similar certificates originated from Ethiopian government and attested by Ministry of foreign affairs of Ethiopia (copy and original)

Or testimony by three Ethiopians with their passport copy and interview by the consular officer

For those who stayed in Ireland five or more years affidavit declaring that the applicant has not sought or obtained any other nationality

To come in person with all the documents and fee (see service fee)

Travel document should always be presented with the letter to enter/exit Ethiopia

Adopting an Ethiopian Child by Ethiopian Adoptive Parents

The documents to be submitted by the prospective adoptive parent/s from his/her permanent domicile should be original and should not be dated more than tow years except for passports, birth and marriage certificates and should include:

All the aforementioned documents should be authenticated by the Ethiopian Embassy or Consulate (refer document attestation)

All the aforementioned documents should also be authenticated by Ministry of foreign affairs of Ethiopia (refer document attestation)

All the aforementioned documents should be submitted or forwarded by the applicant or agency to the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MOWA)

For more information on adoption contact:

Ministry Of Women’s Affairs (MOWA)Children and Youth Affairs Office, Adoption Team (CYAO)P.O.Box1293Addis AbabaEthiopiaTel: (251)-11416-6362; The head of the Adoption Team can be reached at: Tel: (251)- 251-11-554-5676Fax: (251)-11-416-6362

Duty paid import confirmation letter

An Ethiopian or person of Ethiopian origin with a valid Ethiopian origin ID residing abroad may import the following items only for personal use after paying the duty if he/she wishes to return to Ethiopia for good

For those who stayed abroad five or more years

- One private automobile with a capacity to carry up to 10 person and house hold items (see details on app to form CS19A )

Present the original and copy of your passport/Ethiopian origin ID if you are naturalized citizen and your resident ID/ current passport and submit with one passport size photo.

Transfer the money to the following account address

Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation

Commercial bank of Ethiopia

International Banking Department

Acc. no 02702-17976800

Swift code CBETETAA

P.O. Box 255

Addis Ababa

Ethiopia

Or make the payment from Diaspora foreign currency account in Ethiopia, if you have one

Or Pay with declared foreign currency cash at the above bank in person or through legal representative

Submit the bank advice of the transfer to the embassy and collect the bond certificate from the embassy

OPTION 3: -Application through legal representative

Fill and sign the application form correctly in the name of the owner through legal representative

Present the original and copy of your passport/Ethiopian origin ID if you are naturalized citizen and your resident ID/ current passport and submit with one passport size photo and power of attorney.

Transfer the money to the following account address

Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation

Commercial bank of Ethiopia

International Banking Department

Acc. no 02702-17976800

Swift code CBETETAA

P.O. Box 255

Addis Ababa

Ethiopia

Or make the payment from Diaspora foreign currency account in Ethiopia, if you have one

Or Pay with declared foreign currency cash at the above bank in person or through legal representative

Submit the bank advice of the transfer/deposit to the bank and collect the bond certificate from the bank or you may keep the certificate with the bank.

GENERAL NOTE

The bond price is set in USD in multiples of 100 the initial minimum amount being $ 500.00. You may transfer the equivalent of the USD amount in Euro using the daily bank exchange rate. Please note no bank service charge should be deducted from the exact price of the bound.

If you may need to buy additional bond at any time in the future, transfer the money and submit the bank advice to receive the bond certificate from the embassy.

Interest on the bonds are paid annually, which may be received in cash, deposited in bank either in foreign currency or birr at the prevailing exchange rate or transferred abroad, used to repurchase additional bonds or payment of import commitments

Up on maturity the face value of the bond may be received in cash, deposited in bank either in foreign currency or birr at the prevailing exchange rate or transferred abroad, used to purchase another bonds or payment of import commitments or effect local payment.